🚨 Hunter-Made Smart Signs Boost Wallsend School Safety

Wallsend is at the forefront of road safety innovation with the Minns Labor Government rolling out a nation-leading trial of new smart school zone signs at Wallsend South Public School.

These cutting-edge signs, developed right here in the Hunter by local manufacturer HIVIS, are an Australian-first. Installed along Croudace Road and McCaffrey Drive, they feature advanced technology including radar, pedestrian sensors, and artificial intelligence to enhance safety for students and families around the school zone.

The solar-powered and internet-connected signs display dynamic messages based on real-time traffic and pedestrian activity. If a vehicle is detected exceeding the 40 km/h school zone speed limit, a prominent “SLOW DOWN” alert will be displayed. The signs can also respond to high numbers of pedestrians and provide tailored messages even outside of school zone hours.

The trial has received significant backing, with an $83,500 investment from the Small Business Innovation & Research (SBIR) Program. Wallsend South Public School was selected as the ideal trial site due to its substantial vehicle and pedestrian traffic during school days, its proximity to the HIVIS Group's development base, and its excellent 4G connectivity and solar access.

Data collected from these intelligent signs, including traffic volumes, vehicle speeds, and pedestrian movements, will be securely transmitted for analysis. This crucial information will help assess how effectively the alerts influence driver behaviour and reduce speeds, further contributing to road safety initiatives in Wallsend.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, highlighted the evolution of school zone safety, noting that current signs have already contributed to a 56 per cent reduction in crashes over the past decade. Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, expressed pride that the region is pioneering this new technology, while Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery, commended Wallsend for leading the way in trialling this innovative system, emphasising its potential to significantly improve safety for local children.

Transport for NSW Executive Director of Operational Technology, JP Ahern, clarified that the signs are not for compliance enforcement and will not capture images of people or vehicles, underscoring their primary purpose is awareness, education, and safety. The data gathered will also inform future safety treatments across school zones.